Ex-Taliban commander joins Daesh in Jawzjan

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): A former Taliban commander, who reconciled with the government along with 220 associates about two years back, has joined Daesh militant group in northern Jawzjan province, the police chief said on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Rahmatullah Turkistani identified the former Taliban leader as Maulvi Nimatullah who joined Daesh two days back. He said Nimatullah had the intension to conduct destructive activities in Darzab district.

“Nimatullah first went to Qush Tapa district and then visited Qari Hikmat, a Daesh leader in Jawzjan, in Sardar village of Darzab and since he has not appeared in public.”

Maulvi Mohammad Akram, the peace committee head for Jawzjan, said: “Nimat used to have problems with Darzab residents and it will be difficult for him to regain his lost status and it’s been unknown what program Daesh has set for him.”

Bismallah, a resident of Sar Dara village of the district, said: “Over the past two days, Nimatullah has been living with Qari Hikmat.”

He said people were not happy with Nimatullah when he was a Taliban’s military chief because he tortured people in Darzab district.

Nimatullah joined the peace process along with 220 fighters about two years back. He first surrendered to 1st VP Gen. Dostum and then officially reconciled and turned in 150 weapons in Shiberghan, the provincial capital.